Pages

Thursday, 10 August 2017

(The Star) Melaka bans electric bikes

MELAKA: A temporary ban has been imposed on the use of electric bicycles and electric motorcycles in the state.

Melaka Historical City Council (MBMB) mayor Datuk Zainal Hussin said the ban was necessary as a further study was needed on whether these vehicles posed a risk to other road users and also the riders themselves.

“There were mounting complaints on the electricity-powered two wheelers and we decided to take them off our roads until further notice.

“We have received feedback that such vehicles travel at 40kmph and this is considered high speed especially on city roads,” he said when met after the launch of Volunteer Smartphone Patrol (VSP) at Mahkota Parade.

He said a review would also be done to gauge whether such vehicles needed to use specific routes instead of the main roads.

He said the police could only carry out enforcement if there was a by-law requiring those riding electric bicycles and motorcycles to have driving licences and helmets on.

Recently, Melaka Housing, Local Government and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ismail Othman said the state would take stern action against operators, renting out electric bicycles and motorcycles, who failed to adhere to the city council’s regulation.

He said many complaints had been lodged on the alleged traffic disruption caused by the riders in tourist hotspots.

Ismail said guidelines were already in place to avoid untoward incidents between the riders and motorists because of the difference in speed in electrical and fuel-powered vehicles.

“The riders should also wear helmets and vests when riding and avoid entering into busy stretches,” he said adding that too many complaints were received about riders breaching the allowed routes from Stadthuys up to Jalan Hang Tuah.